Shloka 17
उद्योगपर्व — अध्याय ५४: दुर्योधनस्य धृतराष्ट्रं प्रति बलप्रशंसन-युक्तः आश्वासनवादः
Duryodhana’s Reassurance and Force-Praise to Dhritarashtra
ततो द्रोणो<ब्रवीद् भीष्म: कृपो द्रौणिश्न भारत । मत्वा मां महतीं चिन्तामास्थितं व्यथितेन्द्रियम्
tato droṇo ’bravīd bhīṣmaḥ kṛpo drauṇiś ca bhārata | matvā māṃ mahatīṃ cintām āsthitaṃ vyathitendriyam ||
Entonces habló Droṇa, y también Bhīṣma, y Kṛpa, y el hijo de Droṇa (Aśvatthāman), oh Bhārata. Al ver que yo había caído en una gran ansiedad y que mis sentidos estaban turbados, me dirigieron palabras de consuelo: «Oh abrasador de enemigos, aunque los hombres del bando contrario nos guarden enemistad, no debes temer. Cuando acudan al combate, los enemigos serán incapaces de vencernos».
दुर्योधन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights a leadership moment: senior warriors attempt to steady a ruler’s shaken mind. Ethically, it shows how counsel can be used to strengthen resolve—here, toward war—by reframing fear as unnecessary and asserting confidence in one’s side.
Duryodhana is troubled and inwardly agitated. Observing his anxiety, Droṇa, Bhīṣma, Kṛpa, and Aśvatthāman speak to reassure him, telling him not to fear the enemy faction because they will not be able to defeat the Kauravas in battle.